The patron of our parish community is Saint André Bessette, who was the first member of the Congregation of Holy Cross to be canonized in the Catholic Church. He is also the first male saint from Canada. The canonization took place in Rome on Sunday, October 17, 2010. Saint André Bessette Catholic Church continues his ministry in Old Town, Portland, Oregon.

I have written many articles connecting the life, faith and service of Saint André to our parish ministry of hospitality, healing and hope. I invite you to share in prayer and reflection as you read about the inspiringly simple life of a man who welcomed people and prayed for them.

Saint André has inspired my life and approach to the healing power of God. In our ministry among the marginalized, I realize more deeply that only God can heal, reconcile and comfort. Join in us prayer and in a profound reliance on the grace of God for people surviving urban poverty.

In the following articles, I explore the connection between Saint André’s legacy and the mission of our parish through ten common themes:
Home | Hospitality | Honor | Holy Oil | Healing
Humility | Hunger | Holiness | Heart | Hope

In 2012, I wrote a six-part series celebrating the
Feast Day of Saint André and the changing of our parish name:
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

+++

FEATURED ARTICLES

Door Man: St. André Bessette
December 2010, U.S. Catholic Magazine

A Foot in the Door: A Community Modeled after Brother Andre Bessette, CSC
October 2010, Ministry & Liturgy Magazine

Saint Doorkeeper
September 2010, Celebrate! Magazine

+

+

+

+

+++

This video is from the documentary, “God’s Doorkeeper | Saint Andre of Montreal.” In July of 2010, staff producers and writers from Salt and Light Television from Toronto, Canada filmed portions of our ministry at Saint Andre Bessette Church here in Portland, Oregon. This six-minute section shows the connection of our prayer and service. We are grateful to Salt and Light Television for permission to view this video clip. I invite you to pray for our parish as we continue to learn about our patron, Saint Andre Bessette and strive to live out his healing ministry in our parish community.